Cell Phone Policy
STUDENT CELL PHONE USE ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES
Adopted 12-12-07 by the Guam Education Policy Board
Introduction:
It is the policy of the Guam Public School System that the use of cellular phones by students is a privilege that is allowed on school campuses within the parameters of this policy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that student possession and use of cellular phones does not hinder the daily operations of schools, does not interfere with academic instruction, and does not disrupt school operations.
Rationale:
In order to properly prepare our students for life and promote excellence, the Guam Public School System (GPSS) embraces technology and the appropriate use of technology. Our students need to be exposed to available and newly developed technology in order to properly prepare our students for higher education and the world of work, and as contributing citizens in our diverse society. While we welcome and we embrace technology and its appropriate use, inappropriate use needs to be clearly delineated and consequences clearly spelled out. The Guam Education Policy Board, in consideration of student safety and academic integrity within the school system, believes that appropriate board policies and standard operating procedures should govern student possession and use of cell phones within the school campus. Educators from across the country are exploring the integration and instructional use of technology, including camera cell phones, web-enabled cell phones, and cell phones with multi-media capabilities. However, school districts, including Guam, have also had to deal with such devices being used inappropriately on school campuses, causing disruption, leading to academic dishonesty, and harassment and/or sexual harassment, and therefore policy and SOP development are necessary and appropriate.
Scope:
This policy applies to all public schools within the Guam Public School System.
Policy: Cellular phone use is a privilege that is granted to students in the following situations while on a school campus.
1. Cellular phone use by students is allowed before and after the instructional day, and during lunch periods, provided such devices are not displayed, activated or used during the instructional day. Cellular phone use by students during break times may only be allowed if SOP authorizes such use. Exceptions will also be made for students with specific needs that require such devices as per their Individualized Evaluation Plan (IEP.)
2. All cellular phones brought to school by students must be turned off or in silent mode, and secured in a locker, back pack or similar enclosure during the instructional day (as defined in this policy). Cellular phone use by students is specifically prohibited during any class time, during assemblies, during school productions, or while in restrooms or locker rooms or gymnasiums.
3. The instructional day includes, but is not limited to anytime spent in the school library, anytime spent in the school gymnasium, general assemblies, study halls and any other structured and non-structured instructional time that occurs during the normal school day.
4. The Superintendent shall develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) governing the possession and use of cell phones, based on this policy, no later than 60 days after adoption of this policy, and shall communicate the SOP to students, parents and faculty and staff. The Superintendent shall ensure that these SOP are developed within this timeframe. The SOP shall be developed with documented input from students, parents, faculty and staff. The Superintendent shall provide a report to the Guam Educational Policy Board documenting the SOP developed, the collaborative development efforts and the dissemination efforts and results.
5. SOPs that are to be developed under this policy shall outline when confiscation shall occur.
Enforcement and Penalties:
1. School faculty shall monitor and enforce appropriate student cellular phone use in instructional settings and during the instructional day (as defined in this policy). School staff and other school officials shall monitor and enforce appropriate student cellular phone use within the school campus.
2. The provisions set forth in Board Policy 405, 901.25, or any other relevant board policy, will guide the development of SOP and discipline for students who disobey the rules and regulations regarding student cellular phone use on school campuses.
3. A progressive approach to disciplinary action shall be used to address student cell phone use as it relates to: a) academic dishonesty, b) sexual harassment, c) other harassment, and d) serious disruption to instruction. Schools shall refer to Board Policy 901.25 on Sexual Harassment in the development of SOP and disciplinary consequences.
4. The Superintendent shall also develop SOP to address classroom instruction disruption when cellular phones are not turned off, are not in silent mode, or are being used to make or receive phone calls or text messages.
Download the Word document here.